Mammals – for our purposes humans, dogs and cats – can all get rabies.

WHAT IS RABIES?

Rabies is a deadly virus and survival is highly unlikely. Once contracted it may affect the spinal cord and cause inflammation in the brain. However, growth starts in the muscle tissue before attacking the nervous system and spreading.

HOW IS RABIES TRANSMITTED?

Once the virus has reached the nervous system (spinal cord and brain) it heads for the saliva glands. Large amounts of the virus-containing saliva is produced and discharged into the mouth. This is why the disease is mostly transmitted through a bite.

When an infected animal’s saliva gets into an open wound, or makes contact with mucous membranes, transmission is almost inevitable. Even a scratch can cause infection.

WHICH ANIMALS ARE KNOWN TOTRANSMIT RABIES?

Wild animals pose the greatest threat to your pets in terms ofexposure to rabies. In South Africa the bat-eared fox,black-backed jackal and yellow mongoose are commonsuspects. In the USA rabies are usually transmitted by foxes,raccoons, skunks and bats

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF RABIES IN INFECTED PETSThere are two forms of rabies: paralytic and furious. Mild signs will be noticeable in the first three days after infection. From here it progresses to either the furious stage, the paralytic stage, or a combination of the two. Some may even die before showing symptoms.

The virus can lead to radical physical and behavioural changes in DOGS and there are multiple phases in terms of symptoms. Infected dogs may seem:

• Restless• Feverish• Anxious/Fearful• Irritable (often the friendly dogs)• Submissive (often in excitable dogs)• Aggressive: snapping at/biting other animals, humans and even objects• Obsessed with area where transmission occurred: licking, biting and chewing• Hypersensitive to any stimuli including light, sound and touch

As the virus progresses, you will likely also notice:

• Weakness• Fear of water• Dilated pupils• A tendency to hide in dark places• Heavy breathing and jaw hanging open• Sounds and motions associated with choking• Loss of appetite and pica (eating of unusual things)• Difficulty in swallowing and loss of control over the throat• Staggering and/or paralysis of hind legs• Disorientation or lack of coordination• Trembling and seizures• Foaming at the mouth• Sudden death

The virus can lead to radical physical and behavioural changes in CATS and there are multiple phases interms of symptoms. Look out for any, or a combination, of the following:

Once the virus has been contracted, it can take anything from one day, two to eight weeks, between one and three months, or even up to a year before symptoms appear. After that the virus doesn’t hold back.

WHICH DOGS ARE MOST AT RISK?

• Unvaccinated dogs

• Dogs that are allowed to roam on their own

• Dogs that come into contact with wild

animals or pets that haven’t been vaccinated

DIAGNOSIS

There are no accurate tests except a direct fluorescent antibody test (using brain tissue) which can only be performed after death.

If you cannot safely transport your pet to the vet, get in touch with animal control services for assistance to avoid getting infected.

*Any and all content on PetlifeSA’s website, social media and other platforms are for educational purposes only and should not be viewed or used as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If your pet is experiencing any health issues, please consult a veterinarian professional immediately. Read More